Good nutrition is important in maintaining a healthy weight, but its benefits go beyond that. If you eat healthily, you can prevent the development of diseases, and you should be able to improve your overall well-being. But the question is, what are the dos and don’ts of proper nutrition?
The different social media networks, as well as health magazines, shows, and the internet, are flooded with information related to nutrition. There are lots of them, but which of them are true and which ones are merely misconceptions? Here are some of the biggest myths that you should know:
Fatty Foods Are Not Healthy
When we hear the word ‘fat’, we immediately think that it is bad. A lot of us try to stay away from high-fat foods with the fear that they can automatically cause health issues. This right here is a myth.
Not all fatty foods are bad for your health. Avocados, extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish, nuts, and eggs are just a few examples of foods that are high in fats but are extremely nutritious.
Carbs Are Bad for You
People who are trying to lose weight say no to carbs altogether. That’s because they blame this macronutrient for obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. Little did they know that carbohydrates are not really that bad. If you eat nutritious carbs, especially those that are high in fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals, you will get to enjoy the amazing health benefits.
A Very Low-Carb Diet Is What You Need to Lose Weight
In order for you to effectively lose weight, it is essential that you create a calorie deficit. But this does not mean that a very low-carb diet is always the best way to get rid of the extra pounds. Aside from your calorie intake, you must also factor in your metabolic rate, hormonal imbalances, physical activities, and health issues that may be preventing you from losing weight as expected.
Fruit Juices Are Always Good for You
Yes, fruits are good for you, in general. But this does not necessarily mean that fruit juices, especially the store-bought ones, are always good for you. It may not be indicated on the packaging, but most fruit juice products are loaded with sugar, which won’t do you any good if you are trying to lose weight or at least regulate your sugar intake.
Frequent Eating Improves Your Metabolism
A lot of people, especially those who are aiming for weight loss, eat small meals frequently with the belief that this would help improve their metabolism. However, there is very little scientific evidence that supports this. You should know that the frequency of your meals does not really matter as long as you are supplying your body with enough healthy food to keep your energy going. Experts say that following a regular meal pattern is much better.
Fresh Produce Is Always the Best
We have always been under the impression that fresh fruits and vegetables are good for us. That’s true, though. But fresh produce is NOT ALWAYS the best. According to some experts, sometimes, frozen produce are better because they are usually picked at the peak of their ripeness. Fresh produce is picked before they are ripe, and their nutritional value tends to degrade as they are shipped to the stores.
Eating Before Bedtime Leads to Weight Gain
We have always associated eating before bedtime with weight gain. But this is not always true. Researchers say that it does not really matter what time of the day or night you eat. It’s the type of food and the amount that counts.
Fat-Free Foods Are Healthy
Health-conscious individuals prefer to look for fat-free foods when they go grocery shopping. But are these foods really the best option? No. Foods labeled as ‘fat-free’ may still contain lots of sugars, calories, salt, and other unhealthy ingredients.
You Should Never Skip Breakfast
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” We have heard this a thousand times over. Eating a healthy breakfast can help you jumpstart a healthy day. But if you are one who does intermittent fasting, skipping breakfast can actually benefit you.
Go for Detox Diets
Detox diets have gained popularity over the years. But why be obsessed with expensive detox programs, if your body has a natural way of detoxifying itself? This is the function of your kidneys, lungs, skin, and liver.
It is always good to educate yourself about what is right from wrong when it comes to nutrition because these things that you read or hear become the basis of your diet. Before you do one thing, it won’t hurt if you do a little bit of research.